If you’ve used a Windows product in the past two decades or more, you’ve likely encountered a Windows product key. You may have even found immense frustration as your product key and Windows didn’t play ball. With that in mind, we thought it was high time to give you all chance to understand more about the 25 characters governing your system.

Some Basic Terms

I’ll repeatedly refer to some basic terms throughout this article, so it’ll make all of our lives easier if I clarify exactly what I’m talking about, right now.

Product Key: Refers to the 25 alphanumeric characters required to activate a copy of Windows.

Retail License: A Windows license purchased in a retail environment, can be used to activate Windows multiple times on different systems (provided it is removed from the old system before installing on a new system).

OEM License: Original Equipment Manufacturer License. These licenses are provided to equipment manufacturers to include with their hardware sales. If you’ve purchased a new computer or laptop that came with a pre-installed version of Windows, it is highly likely to have been an OEM version. These licenses are not transferable between different machines, are directly linked to the hardware where first activated, and are often much cheaper than retail copiesWhat Are OEM Products and Why Are They Cheaper?What Are OEM Products and Why Are They Cheaper?OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. Should you buy OEM products, or is there a catch that'll set you up for trouble?Read More.

Volume License: Refers to licenses granted in bulk to a specific organization. They allow a single key to be used for multiple installations.

License Key: Interchangeable with product key. Can also be referred to as an Activation Key.

We’ve also included some handy “timeline reminders” for those wondering how long they have left to implement the free upgrade, and for those specific questions regarding product keys and the discontinuation of the upgrade path.

How to Find Your Windows Product Key

A big question to get us started. How do you find your Windows product key? If you head to Control Panel > System and Security > System underneath Windows Activation you’ll spot your Product ID. In Windows 10, you’ll also find the Product ID under Settings > System > About. This isn’t the same as your Product Key. It is created during the installation process and is used to qualify your version of the operating system.

So where is it?

You can use the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to locate it. Download and install the application. When it opens, your Windows License Key will be displayed in the right hand panel next to CD Key.

As you can see from the screenshot above, I’m using Windows 10 Pro at the moment. Before any readers exclaim “You lunatic, don’t display your product key to the world,” this is actually a generic key assigned to all Windows 10 Pro users. If you’re a Windows 10 Home user, your key will be TX9XD-98N7V-6WMQ6-BX7FG-H8Q99.

If you’re using an earlier version of Windows, Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder will display the product key you used during installation. For example, the below image shows the program working in Windows 7.

What’s Up With Windows 10?

When Windows 10 was released a year ago, Microsoft attempted to make the upgrade process as easy as possible. Your product key wouldn’t be needed in the process, as you’d be upgrading from a legitimately licensed version of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1.

As was typical for Windows 10, even the seemingly easy became confusing. Information surrounding the upgrade process was conflated between the countless media outlets attempting to assist millions of users, and many were left with more questions than solid answers.

Above, I’ve shown you the generic product keys issued to those users who upgraded to Windows 10. Now you may be wondering where your actual Windows product key has gone. After all, you paid for your Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 license all those years ago and, if it was a retail version, you might want to move your installation elsewhere.

Digital Entitlement Pre-July 29

The free Windows 10 upgrade process is called Digital Entitlement, and it links your Product Key to the hardware you’re upgrading on. The installation process creates a unique installation ID for your system.

As such, the product key for your existing installation – Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 – is “absorbed” during the upgrade process. That doesn’t mean it no longer exists, rather, it has been marked in the big Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade database as used. If you reinstall Windows 10, Microsoft will recognize your system hardware and validate the installation, provided you’re not violating the rules of the licensing agreement.

If you’ve upgraded, but forgotten or misplaced your original license key, or simply want to view the license key you upgraded with, you’ll need to download ShowKeyPlus. The download link is at the very bottom of the linked page. Once downloaded, extract the files, and run ShowKeyPlus.exe.

As you can see from the below image, it very much shows your original key (hence why it is scribbled out!).

Got it? Write it down, and put it somewhere safe.

Digital Entitlement: Post-July 29

July 29 will see the end of the free upgrade path to Windows 10, but that doesn’t mean Digital Entitlement will disappear. But you may well be wondering what will happen to your free version of Windows 10 if you upgrade your hardware. Here is the lowdown:

A Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 OEM license upgraded to Windows 10 will be linked to that system, and cannot be transferred, with no exceptions.

A Windows 7, 8, 8.1 retail license upgraded to Windows 10 will also be linked to that system, and you’re unlikely to be able to move that Windows 10 product to a new device using the same Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 license.

It presents a difficult scenario. Those Windows 10 retail license holders (via the upgrade path) will assume their new product key is as easily transferable as older Windows licenses, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. Microsoft hasn’t targeted those installing and regularly moving operating systems with this upgrade. If this scenario, which is seeming more and more likely, is the absolute truth, there will be some very disgruntled individuals.

If you purchased a system with a pre-installed version of Windows, check the underside of your laptop or side of the computer case. Your system should have shipped with a label detailing the version of Windows initially installed, and the product key to activate that copy. The inclusion of COA (Certificate of Authenticity) stickers started with Windows XP, and has been present with every version of Windows since that time.

In some cases, the COA sticker is required to confirm a legitimate license. If you have a pre-installed version of Windows, but change the casing of your computer (but not the system hardware), you will need to remove the sticker and either keep it safe, or reapply to the new case.

You can create a virtual hard drive within your existing installation, be that Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10, and activate a copy of Windows 10 with an old product key. This will ensure Microsoft sees the product key as upgraded and activated when you make a clean install down the line.

Once that is done, open Computer Management. Windows 7 users can use the Start menu search bar, while Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users can use the Windows + X shortcut, selecting Computer Management from the menu. Right-click Disk Management in the left-hand column, and select Create VHD.

Copy the setup in the image below:

You’ll have to wait for the virtual hard drive to be created, but when finished, it should automatically appear at the bottom of your storage devices list, like so:

If not, right-click Disk Management again, this time selecting Attach VHD. Browse to the VHD we just created, and it should automatically mount for you.

Begin a New Windows 10 Installation

Insert the Windows 10 USB installation media you created earlier, and boot your system. Move through the standard language selection and license confirmation screens, until you get to the Where do you want to install Windows? screen. Press Shift + F10 to open a Command Prompt. Now type the following commands, in sequence, pressing Enter after each entry:

c:

cd VHD

diskpart

select vdisk file=C:\VHD\win10.vhd

attach vdisk

Now close the Command Prompt, and refresh the list of disks available for installation. Select the newly added disk, and ignore the message saying Windows cannot be installed on this drive. It can, and it will. Press Next.

You’ll now have to wait for the operating system to install as normal, so you could be in for a little wait. When the time comes, enter your old Windows license key, and it should activate.

When you have a new system, you can easily transfer the product key to the new installation, safe in the knowledge you activated and secured the free upgrade to Windows 10.

The July 29 Cutoff

Microsoft has confirmed the cutoff date for the free Windows 10 upgrade path will be July 29, as was stated long before the release of the operating system.

The free upgrade offer to Windows 10 was a first for Microsoft, helping people upgrade faster than ever before. And time is running out. The free upgrade offer will end on July 29 and we want to make sure you don’t miss out.

The Windows 10 activation process relies on a unique installation ID, created during installation and directly linked to the hardware on which Windows is installed. Now, this unique ID is linked to the system hardware – not a person. If you reinstall Windows 10 on the same system hardware, it should automatically activate.

Conversely, if you attempt to activate Windows 10 on a different system, activation will likely fail, even in cases where a retail key is in use. The link between Microsoft account and a Windows 10 product key is set to address. Changing your motherboard will result in a newly generated unique installation ID, and under the existing rules, you’d have had to pick up the phone and manually activate your version of Windows 10.

Press Windows + I to open the Settings panel. Head to Update & Security > Activation > Add an account. Enter your Microsoft account credentials, then click Sign In. You may be challenged for your Local User Account password. If so, provide it, and press Enter. Once the process is complete, you should spot a new message stating “Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account” on the Activation page.

It seems like a sensible move that will appease those users irritated by the sometimes archaic licensing terms metered out by Microsoft. On the other hand, I’m sure that removing some of the anonymity behind the unique installation ID and replacing it with a very definite link to an identifiable email address will rile those who believe Windows 10 and its telemetry is simply an enormous spying program (it isn’t).

Changing, Uninstalling, Or Activating Your Windows Product Key

Timeline: Anytime

There are times when it is necessary to uninstall your own product key from a system, but leave the operating system intact. For instance, you might be selling an old laptop or computer, and want to provide an up-to-date version of Windows 10 for the purchaser – but not your own, activated version. Similarly, if you have a Windows retail license, you may wish to activate your copy of the operating system on a different system.

This command uninstalls the existing product key. Wait for moment, and press OK when the dialogue box appears.

Now copy and paste the following command, and press Enter:

slmgr /cpky

This command clears the uninstalled product key. That’s it!

Please note that uninstalling and clearing the product key do not remove it from the Microsoft activation servers. If you have an OEM version of Windows, your license will still be limited to one system, the license matched to its hardware. Retail users may find that despite their ability to reuse their license, it may require phone activation if online activation fails.

How to Change Your Product Key

Open an elevatedCommand Prompt. Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users can use the Windows Key + X shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin). Other users can type CMD in the Start menu search bar, then press Shift + Ctrl + Enter. Now copy and paste the following command, replacing the number [#] signs with your own product key, and press Enter:

slmgr.vbs /ipk #####-#####-#####-#####-#####

You can use this command if you’ve purchased a new system with an existing Windows installation, but want to switch to your own version.

Check Your License Expiration Date

Logically, you’d think your Windows license will last until the end of time. This was true for all versions up to the release of Windows 10. Furthermore, you might be using a license granted by an educational facility, or through your workplace, and these licenses can come with a limited time of use.

To display the information, open an elevatedCommand Prompt. Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users can use the Windows Key + X shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin). Other users can type CMD in the Start menu search bar, then press Shift + Ctrl + Enter. Now copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

slmgr /xprYou can also check the license expiration date using winver. Type winver into the Start menu search bar or Cortana search bar, and select the first option. You can see the difference between Windows 10 versions below. On the left is my Insider Preview version, the right is my Windows 10 Pro version.

My Windows 10 Insider Preview version is set to expire in October, whereas my Windows 10 Pro license has no expiration date.

Activate Windows Online and Offline

If Windows fails to activate during the installation process, you can attempt to manually activate your product key. Open an elevatedCommand Prompt. Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users can use the Windows Key + X shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin). Other users can type CMD in the Start menu search bar, then press Shift + Ctrl + Enter. Now copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

slmgr /ato

Similarly, if your activation fails and you’re not connected to the Internet, you can use the following command to get an installation ID:

slmgr /dti

Once you have the installation ID, you’ll need to call the Microsoft Product Activation Centre. They’ll give you an activation ID to enter in the Command Prompt. Once again, open an elevated Command Prompt, and enter the following command:

slmgr /atp ACTIVATIONIDGOESHERE

Insert the activation code Microsoft provided in place of ACTIVATIONIDGOESHERE. This will allow you to activate your installation without an Internet connection.

Using Windows 10 Without a Product Key

Windows 10 has been surprisingly kind to those users without product keys. Whereas Microsoft made Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 functionality diminish over time, they’ve seemingly allowed users to continue using Windows 10, albeit with slightly reduced functionality and the addition of a watermark.

That said, the reduced functionality is unsubstantial, and focuses largely on the cosmetic side of the operating system. Users who’ve been using Windows 10 without a product key have reported consistent feature and security patches, as well as minimal nag-screens to actually purchase a legitimate product key. It really runs against the experience of those users with legitimate licenses on earlier operating systems hounded by the progressively intrusive update screens.

However, it could all change with a single update – but that doesn’t look like happening any time soon.

Windows 10 Downgrade Rights

Certain versions of Windows are eligible for downgrade rights. This is the process of downgrading your current operating system to one of its predecessors. It works differently for different versions, and some aren’t eligible at all. Let’s take a look.

The key article for many in the above table will be the lack of downgrade rights for retail licenses. If you have a specifically purchased license for a single operating system, that is what you’ll be using. Those with an OEM license have an array of downgrade options to choose from:

This shouldn’t be conflated with the opportunity to downgrade Windows 10. If you followed the upgrade path from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 to Windows 10, you had an option to downgrade, returning to your original operating system, everything exactly where you left it. Windows 10 would delete your Windows.old folder (containing your previous setup), assuming you were now settled in your new home.

These downgrade rights require a clean install, using specific installation media, and (that’s the catch) a valid license key of the Windows version you’re downgrading to.

4 Tools to Find Product Keys

Each of these tools will reveal your Windows product key. ShowKeyPlus, which we used earlier in the article, will also reveal the product key you used to upgrade to Windows 10, which can be very handy. The other three – Magical Jelly Bean, ProduKey, and SterJo Key Finder – will also show any other product keys installed on your system.

Now You Know

We’ve covered a massive range of Windows Product Key information. Most relates to Windows 10, but there are also some handy tips on where to find and how to extract product keys from older versions of the operating system.

We’ve looked at where your product key heads when you follow the Windows 10 upgrade path, and just how you can find your old Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 product key for future reference. We’ve also looked at how you can make the most of any extra license keys you have lying around, making sure they don’t go to waste if and when the year-long free upgrade period ends.

Contrary to belief, Microsoft isn’t always moving the licensing goalposts. They’re actually pretty consistent, but it is understandable that with a relatively new system in place for Windows 10, there would definitely be some confusion. I hope we’ve absolved any muddles or mix-ups you’ve been struggling with!

Do you have any extra questions regarding Windows Product Keys? Is there anything vital you’d like to know? Let us know below!

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Anthony Lester

January 8, 2019 at 4:24 am

Very informative Gavin, but there is one thing I can't find out anywhere; I've just updated....well, everything on my system, apart from the HDD that had my Win 10 and files on, when the new PC was assembled and turned on eventually everything started up ok and I put the new board drivers in etc., but my (OEM) Win 10 is not, and can't be, activated and after reading your post I now know it's because it's tied to the original motherboard, so what I want to know is if i get one of these Product keys for £20 or whatever, can i just type it in somewhere and it unlocks the currently un-activated Win 10 with all my stuff on, or do I have to do a clean install of Win 10 to accept the new key and then install/copy everything back again? same question for a full price key bought from Microsoft...Basically does the new key activate any, already running, un-activated Win 10. or do they only work if you start with a new clean install that has't had a key before? Thanks.

Thank you for your thorough explanation.
What about OLP?
Beside that , i was surprised last week about some prices i found on the net, some Win 10 licenses are sold for 50$ more or less. Are these genuine keys? how can we tell they are stolen from NGOs etc...
Regards

Well, they come from volume licenses usually. Their acquisition is usually somewhere in the grey area, e.g, the licenses already exist in volume. I must admit i used one of these types of licenses a while back to "legalize" my W7 installation before the big W10 release. Use at your own peril.

Microsoft only help and pestered for a easier update to control the valid license of a purchased operation system which could be installed on new systems. replace or upgraded motherboard requires a new license once the old one is registered in windows 10 data base, even though its your same computer and only on one device the license for the operating system you paid for is now void.....This was not disclosed when the nag screens push the consumer to upgrade as well as the theft of your licence rights was a price to pay for upgrading so it was not free............. I can understand the need to control the copy right with a registration of the key and the match pair in the data base but there is my consumer right to reinstall for my use that has been stolen from me when I want to replace the mother board for the same computer.............weather its bad or an upgraded hardware a single use is what i purchased not a single installation for a particular motherboards mac address......

I have retail versions of windows 7 64bit and windows 8.1 and have them because my grand kids love pc games. When Microsoft sent the "SPECIAL UPGRADE", that I did not want after horror stories from friends who had taken the Windows 10 upgrade I searched for a solution and found "GWX CONTROL PANEL". It is a free down load and permanately stops Microsoft from installing Windows 10 and gets rid of the nagging Microsoft pop ups telling you to upgrade. I know that sooner or later that my Microsoft systems will be useless, so I am seriously thinking about switching to a Linux distro that supports Steam. Other than that, I wish you luck on your future "FAULTY" Microsoft systems!!!

As it turned out , i have signed into a Microsoft live account and was able too easily change the license to another motherboard. if there is a time limit to this i haven't a clue , but i'm satisfied i was able to still use my OS and not have to buy a new os key. I do not feel trapped anymore.

In the section above titled "You Have an Extra Copy of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1": doesn't that process tie the additional product key to the VM which would then make the product key unusable for a Windows 10 install on a physical computer (i.e., a significant hardware change)?

I have a Windows 7 installation that I don't want upgraded right now (it's a development PC). Can I "secure" my Windows 10 installation for the future using the method you explain in the "You Have an Extra Copy of Windows 7, 8, or 8.1…" section?

"A Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 OEM license upgraded to Windows 10 will be linked..."
You aren't supposed to upgrade Windows 8 (8.0) to Windows 10; you have to upgrade from 8.0 to 8.1 first, although I've heard it's possible to skip the 8.1 upgrade...

Gavin is a Senior Writer for MUO, and an Editor for Blocks Decoded. He has a BA (Hons) Contemporary Writing with Digital Art Practices pillaged from the hills of Devon, as well as a decade of professional writing experience. He enjoys copious amounts of tea.